A concerning trend has emerged of drivers neglecting to utilise their headlights during foggy conditions, opting instead to drive with no headlights on – posing significant risks to themselves and other road users.
Despite fog’s dense cover reducing visibility to mere meters ahead, a considerable number of vehicles have been observed navigating local roads without their headlights on, exacerbating the hazardous conditions.
With foggy conditions beginning to appear more and more frequently, particularly in locations such as Kilmore, Pretty Sally, and Wandong, drivers are being urged to slow down, turn their headlights on, and stay vigilant.
RACV stated that low visibility increased the chance of an accident by 30 per cent.
“Most drivers on our roads drive too close to each other, even in good conditions, which significantly increases their crash risk and is why the most common accident on our roads is being rear-ended,” they said.
“As low visibility can increase the risk of an accident by 30 per cent or more, maintaining safe distances, adjusting your speed, and driving to conditions will significantly lower your injury and crash risk in these conditions.”
They further noted that drivers who did not utilise these tips and adjust to the unfavourable conditions around them not only posed a risk to themselves, but to others who may not see their vehicle until it is too late.
“Motorists should also remember that vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles are much more difficult to see in low visibility conditions,” they said.
“Those who do not adjust their driving to suit the conditions not only put themselves at high risk of an accident or injury, they are also risking the lives of others they share the road with.”
RACV further stated that not unlike night driving, it is important to remember that even during the day, fog will reduce visibility to that of surrounding light sources. As many roads in the shire lack street lights, locals will know all too well that this lighting can be few and far between.
“Your visibility is only as good as your headlights and surrounding street lights,” they said.
RACV recommends the following tips when driving with poor visibility:
- Turn your fog lights and headlights on. Avoid using high beams as these can scatter the light around you, making it more difficult to see.
- Increase your distance between cars and decrease your speed. This will allow you to react faster and minimise the impact of a crash.
- Ensure your windscreen is clean, and demisters are on.
- Roll down your windows. In low visibility, you may require other senses to help you stay safe. Listen for oncoming vehicles, who you may not see approaching.
- If an oncoming vehicle has forgotten to dim their high beams, use the lane markings on the left-hand side of the road to guide yourself until the other vehicle has passed. If a car with high beams on is behind you, adjust your rear vision mirror to reduce the glare.
- If you need to, pull over, turn your hazard lights on, and wait for the fog to clear. Remember, your safety, and the safety of other road users, is paramount.